CAN BLACK SOFT SHELL TURTLE BE BACK IN WILD AGAIN: A PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THE TEMPLE POND POPULATION OF BANESHWAR; COOCH BEHAR

Abstract

The Black Softshell Turtle, Nilssonia nigricans (Mohan), is classified as Critically Endangered and survives primarily in traditional temple ponds, such as the Shiv Dighi at Baneshwar, Cooch Behar, where it is protected as a deity. This chapter presents preliminary observations investigating the factors crucial for conserving this relict population and assessing its potential for reintroduction into natural habitats. While religious protection provides sanctuary from illegal trade and predation, intensive human intervention has caused a catastrophic decline. Observations show that past concrete renovations and current urban fragmentation severely inhibit the turtles’ natural behavior, leading to fatalities during nesting migrations across roads and railway tracks. Furthermore, dependence on visitors’ offerings has altered the turtles’ natural feeding habits, jeopardizing their long-term ability to survive in the wild. The existing pond is also facing overcrowding and eutrophication, making it unsustainable for the species' future. Drawing on successful relocation projects elsewhere, the study concludes that a combination of captive breeding and subsequent relocation into a historic habitat, such as the Gangadhar river, is the necessary course of action to ensure the survival of N. nigricans, advocating for a blend of traditional reverence and scientific strategy.